Table of Contents

  Cover

  Synopsis

  Bella Books Social Media

  Praise for the works of Jaime Clevenger

  Books by Jaime Clevenger published by Bella Books

  About the Author

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Acknowledgment

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Epilogue

  Bella Books

  Synopsis

  When Devyn Lancaster comes home from a busy shift at the hospital, the last thing she expects to find is a woman weed-whacking her garden. It gets worse when she learns her ex-husband invited the woman to trade houses with him—all without telling her a thing about the plan.

  Robbie Price was looking forward to a month-long vacation in San Diego. A break from the Seattle rain in exchange for doing a few home repair projects and taking a cute dog to the beach seemed well worth a house swap. Then she meets her coworker’s ex-wife.

  For Robbie and Devyn, even tolerating each other feels impossible at first. And neither expect to learn to like each other. But at the end of the month, parting ways is what feels impossible.

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  Blog: Bella Media Channel

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  Praise for the works of Jaime Clevenger

  Under the Stars with You

  A sweet and entertaining read. The story is entertaining, funny and easy to follow, the characters are likeable and have a great connection.

  -Di B., NetGalley

  …Overall, the story is a compelling and beautifully written romance novel that had me drawn in from the first page. If you enjoy down-to-earth characters, an environment that makes you want to be there and romance with a HEA, this story is worth the read.

  -Carol C., NetGalley

  Over the Moon with You

  This story is all about how a relationship evolves, from the initial attraction to moving toward each next step and the delicate balance needed to navigate all the uncertainties that makes up life. I really liked the deep character development of both these characters. This book was also hilarious—from the spicy seniors, Paige’s mom to Seren’s bff Leslie, they kept me cracking up at their antics and banter. And lastly let’s not forget about steam coz it seriously packs a whole lot of fire and is the perfect payoff to the slow burn churning through the story. This was a wonderful weekend read that had plenty of romance, humor, steam and a low angst HEA that made my day.

  -D Booker, NetGalley

  The author takes her time in building the relationship between Paige and Seren even as she is developing her characters. What she has created is one the better LesFic romances so far this year. …If you like well-written books with characters you’ll be sorry to say goodbye to at the end of the story, then this book is for you.

  -Abbott F., NetGalley

  Love, Accidentally

  Who doesn’t like a U-Haul joke! I really enjoyed reading this book. This is the second book in the “A Mile High City Romance” series, by Rey and Clevenger and once again they show how compatible their writing is. It is also great to see that this is not only a collaboration between writers, but also between publishers. This story runs in parallel with the first book A Convenient Arrangement. All in all, this is a happy feel-good book, which I easily recommend. I hope Clevenger and Rey will write a book together again in the future.

  -Meike V., NetGalley

  Just One Reason

  I had a lot of fun reading Just One Reason. I enjoy diving into a traditional romance where I know exactly what I’m going to get, and then being delighted with a host of clever details that make the story feel fresh and brand new. This book checked all the boxes on my list of what I want in a good book.

  -The Lesbian Review

  I don’t want to spoil things, but I was cheering this couple on and I wasn’t disappointed. Communication happens and it is beautiful and sweet, but not without a splash of angst. This book gave me all of the feels and really hit a home run with thoughtful, meaningful dialogue.

  -Digby M., NetGalley

  This is the third installment of the Paradise Romance series. I have gotten so much entertainment out of these books. I love the characters and friend group. That while each story focuses on a new budding relationship, the same characters pop in and we see that they continue to progress in their respective partnerships. There is always so much more depth and satisfaction when the writer can put people through the wringer so that they come out on the other side shiny and happy. Overall, this is another great addition to the Paradise Romance series.

  -Bookvark, NetGalley

  All the Reasons I Need

  One of the reasons I love Three Reasons to Say Yes so much is that Clevenger wrote such strong secondary characters in Kate and Mo. I fell for them almost as much as the main characters, so to have them get their own book I was excited. This is a story about two best friends since college that have a ton of chemistry but have never done anything about it. …If you are looking for a well-written, angsty romance, look no further. This is an easy romance for me to recommend. I think with this series, Clevenger is at the top of her writing game and I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.

  -Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads

  This book is the second installment in Clevenger’s Paradise Romance series. It’s not necessary to read the first book, Three Reasons to Say Yes, to enjoy Kate and Mo’s story …All the Reasons I Need is a thoughtful summer romance full of emotion. It let me imagine myself on a tropical beach, napping in a hammock, and sipping an exotic drink with a little umbrella in it. There’s just something about beautiful sunsets and waves crashing on the beach that make falling in love seem easy.

  -The Lesbian Review

  Three Reasons to Say Yes

  This is without a doubt my new favourite Jaime Clevenger novel. Honestly I couldn’t put it down from the first chapter. …All in all this book has the potential to be my book of the year. Truly, books like this don’t come around often that suit my reading tastes to a tee.

  -Les Rêveur

  …This one was totally my cup of tea with its charming relationship and family dynamics, great chemistry between two likable protagonists, a very convincing romance, some angst, drama and tension to the right extent and in all the right moments, and some very nice secondary characters. On top of that, the writing is technically very good, with all elements done properly. Sincerely recommended.

  -Pin’s Reviews, goodreads

  This was a really easy story to get into. I sank right in and wanted to stay there, because reading about other people on vacation is kind of like taking a mini vacation from the world! It’s sweet and lovely, and while it has some angst, it’s not going to hurt you. Instead, it’s going to take you away from it all so you can come back with a smile on your face.

  -The Lesbian Review

  Party Favors

  This book has one of the best characters ever. Me. Or rather you. It’s quite a strange and startling experience at first to be in a book, especially one with as many hot, sexy, beautiful women in it who, incidentally, all seem to want you. But believe me, you’ll soon get used to it. …In a word, this book was FUN. It made me smile, and laugh, and tease my wife. I definitely recommend it to everyone, with the caveat that if you don’t like erotica you should probably give it a pass. But not only read it, enjoy it, experience it, also find a friend, or a spouse, or even a book buddy online to talk to about it. Because you’ll want to, it’s that great.

  -The Lesbian Review

  I’ve read this book a few times and each time changed my decisions to find new and inviting destinations each time. This is a book you can read time and time again with a different journey. If you’re looking for a fun Saturday night read that’s sexy and hot as hell then this book is 100% for you! Go buy it now. 5 Stars.

  -Les Rêveur

  The story is told in the second person, present tense, which is ambitious in itself—it takes great skill to make that work and for the reader, who is now the narrator, to really connect to the thoughts and actions that are being attributed to them. Not all of the scenes will turn everyone on, as we all have different tastes, but I am pretty sure there is something for everyone in here. And if you d
o as you’re told and follow the structure the author uses, you can dip into this book as much or as little as you wish. An interesting read with some pretty hot interactions.

  -Rainbow Book Reviews

  Books by Jaime Clevenger published by Bella Books

  The Unknown Mile

  Call Shotgun

  Love, Accidentally

  Sign on the Line

  Whiskey and Oak Leaves

  Sweet, Sweet Wine

  Waiting for a Love Song

  A Fugitive’s Kiss

  Moonstone

  Party Favors

  Three Reasons to Say Yes

  All the Reasons I Need

  Just One Reason

  One Weekend in Aspen

  Over the Moon with You

  Under the Stars with You

  Published by Spinsters Ink

  All Bets Off

  About the Author

  Jaime Clevenger lives in a little mountain town in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian, but time off is filled writing, reading, swimming, practicing karate, and goofing off with their wife and kids (both two- and four-legged). Jaime loves hearing a good story and hopes that if you ever meet, you’ll share your favorite. Feel free to embellish the details.

  Copyright © 2024 by Jaime Clevenger

  Bella Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 10543

  Tallahassee, FL 32302

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  First Edition - 2024

  Editor: Heather Flournoy

  Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso

  ISBN: 978-1-64247-542-5

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized print or electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Acknowledgment

  Some stories start with a conversation. Others with a picture or a random fun train of thought. This story began with a single word—housebutch. One of my beta readers (Alix) asked me to someday describe a character as a housebutch. I can’t pass up a good challenge, but I couldn’t think of who would be my housebutch, or what her story would be. Then one day Robbie popped into my head. There was no doubt Robbie was the housebutch I’d been waiting for, and I wanted to drop everything and write her story. Unfortunately, I was writing a different story with no room for a housebutch so I tried to convince Robbie to wait. She wouldn’t.

  Houseswap 101 came to be because Robbie and Devyn couldn’t wait to have their love story. The timing was all wrong but sometimes that’s how these things go. I owe a big thanks to my publisher (Bella) for letting me take off on this tangent and for switching manuscripts last minute. Thank you, Linda and Jessica, you are both so understanding and amazing. Thank you also to Becky and Tracie (everyone at Bella!) for all your work behind the scenes supporting authors and making sure our stories and characters meet readers. Without a publisher, people would really think I was weird for talking to these imaginary friends in my head.

  Thank you, Alix, for giving me the word housebutch and for the scoop on Seattle and houseboats. Also, of course, thank you for beta reading! Thank you, Aurora, for beta reading this one as well and pushing me to be a better writer. You’ve almost convinced me that not every story needs lots of angst. Almost. Thank you to Leigh and Rhys for convincing me to go for the story I really wanted to write. Writing buddies are the best. Thank you to my fabulous editor, Heather, for editing me yet again. I may not remember all the grammar rules you try to teach me, but I so appreciate your effort and for being generally awesome. And finally…Thank you, Corina, for reading everything I write. Again and again. Do you know how sweet that is?

  Chapter One

  Rain pelted the window, the gale coming in from the north with such force that everything past the flag at the end of the dock was a blur of gray. “Day five of the storm that was supposed to last twenty-four hours,” Robbie grumbled, clicking on the link to join the Zoom call. “Hey, Matt. How’s the weather?”

  “Sunny.” Matt Ploughy, Robbie’s counterpart in San Diego, did not smile as he delivered the report. He did have the grace to turn the camera angle on his laptop to show off a fountain he was sitting next to. Sunlight sparkled off the cascading water and flowers bloomed in pots around the base of the fountain. Robbie didn’t have enough time to fully soak up the blissful scene before Matt’s mug was back on the screen. “You got the message about needing to install a hundred new servers?”

  “Yep. Already contacted Antonio to let him know he’d be working overtime at the DR site.” The disaster recovery site in Phoenix was Antonio’s domain, and he hadn’t been happy to hear about the increase in his workload. Truthfully his plate was full, and Robbie didn’t blame him for griping. “Have you heard anything about when they’re hiring a new IT director?”

  “Not a word.” Matt shifted back on his chaise lounge chair. “One of us deserves that job. Everyone acts like it’s the IT director that gets everything done, and we know it’s us doing all the work. But as long as no one hacks a bank and everyone’s terminal can get online, they forget we exist.”

  “That’s the beauty of working remote.”

  “I guess so.” Matt let out a heavy sigh.

  “You doing okay? You’ve seemed kind of off these past couple weeks.”

  Matt didn’t answer, only turning his gaze to the fountain. His brow creased and Robbie knew something was wrong. She couldn’t fathom a guess at what could be amiss, though. Matt was married to a doctor, lived in a big house two blocks from a beach, and had a cute Jack Russell terrier named Angel—who regularly made appearances during their Zoom meetings. As she catalogued the details she knew of Matt’s life, she realized it wasn’t enough to get the full picture. She’d simply assumed he was happy. “Should I be worried about you?”

  “Nah, I’m fine.”

  “I’ve dated way too many women to know that when someone says ‘fine’ they rarely are.”

  “I’m a dude, Robbie. It’s different.”

  She resisted rolling her eyes but only because she was actually worried. “Talk to me, Matt. What’s going on?”

  The weekly Zoom check-ins with Matt were at the behest of an IT director who’d been fired two years ago. At first, she’d hated the meetings, arguing that everything they discussed could be resolved faster in a text. But slowly Matt had become her friend through their virtual connection and after her last breakup, she’d appreciated being able to joke about the hassle of dating women with another computer geek who had turned out to be sensitive and understanding.

  “Are you quitting? Because I am royally screwed if we lose you at the San Diego site.”

  “No. This job is the only thing I can seem to do right. I honestly like being a network security engineer.” He winked as he added, “Plus, I get you as my friend.”

  “I’m honored to be a job perk.” She flipped her middle finger and got him to crack a smile. If the problem wasn’t work, she guessed it was something at home. “Are you in trouble with your wife?”

  “How’d you guess?” He let out a long breath. “We’re getting divorced.”